California Stream Gage Improvement Program

As part of the California Stream Gage Improvement Program (CalSIP), the County is proposing to install one stream gage unit to record streamflow data at Mill Creek (Project). The CalSIP project aims to expand and modernize the county’s surface water monitoring network to support improved flood management, water reliability, and ecosystem protection. CalSIP is a statewide DWR grant program designed to help public agencies upgrade, reactivate, or install new stream gaging stations that monitor real-time hydrologic conditions and contribute data to the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC). The program strengthens water management capabilities by filling critical data gaps in natural waterways. Within Tehama County, this project supports the District’s long-term water management responsibilities by enhancing the accuracy and availability of streamflow data essential for (1) Flood forecasting and emergency response, (2) Groundwater–surface water interaction tracking, (3) Water supply planning, and (4) Environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. The project site, includes (1) a remote terminal unit (RTU) that consists of a data logger, bubbler unit, solar/battery system, and radio equipment housed in a steel enclosure, (2) conduit routed from the RTU to the toe of the streambed where it terminates, and (3) a staff gage will be installed in the streambed adjacent the conduit. The project will have non-significant impact to local movement patterns of terrestrial wildlife species. Temporary effects due to noise and increased human activity during project activities should not interfere with these local movement patterns over time or affect the ability of these species to forage or reproduce. No removal of vegetation and no earth disturbance is proposed. Additionally, various Best Management Practices are proposed to be implemented to reduce any impacts.